Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Lubbock is 21% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 8%
$60,487/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 27%
$197,900 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 30%
$1,179/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 16%
261,078
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $16,111/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Lubbock or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Birmingham?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Birmingham?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $16,111/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Birmingham details →

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